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By feel for sure - no need to have a wind meter really in my opinion. I can tell which kite to fly as soon as I step out of the car.

It is nice when someone shows up with one in order to see what the gauge says, however. That said, it still only tells you what the wind speed is at the holders hand. 75' up (at least where I fly) is a completely different story.

The back of your neck is plenty sensitive, but it needs calibration. A good meter is a learning tool. Useful but before too long your senses will be fine.

The Kaindl Windtronic is my favorite. It's omnidirectional which is huge. Many meters you see with the little tiny propeller have to be pointed accurately into the wind to get an accurate reading. The Kaindl also has a really big display.

Anything under maybe $50 isn't going to be reliable in low wind. Buy a good meter, then sell it here when you're done with it.

I have to agree with the others, you don't really need a wind meter. I bought a Skywatch Xplorer1 soon after I started - around £25 here in the UK - but now I hardly ever use it. You soon get a feel for the wind and I can now guess the speed pretty accurately simply by watching the trees etc. I only use mine on real gusty days to see what the max gusts are. Seems to be something used more by the powerkiters.

Eventually feel and experience is the rule. If you buy get a good one. I purchased a Speedtech Skymate at least 10 years ago. Still works great. It's a sealed unit so extended time on the beach has not hurt it. I like to use the built in threaded mount on the bottom to attach it to a pole. Nice to have it when a passer by on the beach asks how strong the wind is, just point them to it

Is the Skywatch Xplorer I a good meter? I suppose it is since Hadge didn't mention anything...

I've not had any problems with it. The Xplorer1 is the basic model, just current and max wind speed. There are 3 other models with more functions and a higher price. The '4' also has temp, wind chill, compass, altitude and pressure! It seems reasonably accurate, enough for my kite flying needs at least (+/- 3% according to the manual). As I said, I don't really use it that much now.

That's what my thinking was. My town and local airport/air force base report wind speeds, but I am quite sure that it is a bit higher at the beach a few miles away from my house and work. I guess it doesn't matter that much. When I see the beach condition flags flapping really hard, I usually just don't fly. May be time for a vented as our wind up here in Pensacola area is rarely above 15-20 and usually in the 10 mph range.

Eventually feel and experience is the rule. If you buy get a good one. I purchased a Speedtech Skymate at least 10 years ago. Still works great. It's a sealed unit so extended time on the beach has not hurt it. I like to use the built in threaded mount on the bottom to attach it to a pole. Nice to have it when a passer by on the beach asks how strong the wind is, just point them to it

When I see the beach condition flags flapping really hard, I usually just don't fly. May be time for a vented as our wind up here in Pensacola area is rarely above 15-20 and usually in the 10 mph range.

Rev II or vented 1.5 is great for 10 - 25 and vented Rev II for 15 - 35 or more. You won't be tricking on a dual line vented kite much above 15 or 20 (especially the more out of shape or older and fartier you are), but you can do a lot with the Revs.

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